45 deg side bolts into the main caps from the std girdle? I would look at compression instead of tension
x2 what Sparky said, I would also pin the caps and accommodate for a slide hammer to pull the caps, this is what we did with the GMC. Tony
Sparky and Tony, that is the main thing I'm looking at! I spoke with Corky Bell for a long time yesterday. He feels with the current setup, and a move to turbos, I could achieve the HP I'm looking for with 20.5 lbs boost, if we get the turbos sized to spool near their max efficiency.
Garry's testing of the heads, makes me think that if we followed up on the flow, that we may pick up more flow with a little 'tweaking of the heads. More CFM=More HP available without more boost. I also think that while we have a very good cam, some thought there could lead to some gains. The turbos themselves give some extra HP at the same boost, and port injection, along with fuel, engine managed timing, should help us combat detonation, while getting good HP.
And I really like the idea of pinning the caps!
x2 what Sparky said, I would also pin the caps and accommodate for a slide hammer to pull the caps, this is what we did with the GMC. Tony
Hey - I like the 'ghost main' girdle - is it made out of aluminum or steel? I'd like to see what you think about one material versus another - would seem to me that materials with the same/similar expansion rates would be ideal --> steel girdle on cast-iron block, aluminum girdle on an aluminum block.
Block Structural Strength: My best guess is that the overall structural strength of the block itself will be our limiting factor (from a rotating assembly perspective). If the pan rails and main stud threads and block structure can handle the horsepower, then we'll be okay - if they can't, then we have another whole set of issues to ponder (and I have some interesting structural augmentation design ideas along that line ).
Cylinder Pressure and Deck: An area where we're probably more at risk is the overall strength of the cylinder walls - just how much pressure can they take??? Who knows! Block filling and staking may help - but that needs to be done before boring (need to review my sonic testing numbers for cylinder wall thickness). Also, we'll need to see what the heads and the deck are doing . . . the deck itself could be another major issue for higher HP and boost.
Dale
Dale, There won't be a 5 main girdle next year- money and turn around time from Crower won't allow it, even if the design were to be done in time.
I disagree about the caps not being an issue-At the HP we talked about the other night, I think the whole bottom end could become an issue .I still want to lighten the rotating assembly, and tie the bottom end together even more than we have.
AT 20 psi boost, I believe the deck and cylinder walls will be fine, and I think the top girdle is a plus in helping us keep the engine solid. I want to send the CAD engine model to the engineering company,after we come up with our proposed changes. We'll see what they think it will do, then dyno it to see if they are right!
You keep saying that "I have some interesting structural augmentation design ideas along that line", but you won't expand on the statement. I'm going to come up with a plan for the proposed changes, and the day after Speedweek, the engine is coming apart to implement those changes. Of course, if we end Speedweek early, it may not be with this block!